Soviet Evangelicals Since World War II, Walter Sawatsky, 1981

reement, 1945 — 477 3. Constitution of the ECB Church in the USSR — 479 4. AUCECB Leaders — Council Members and Senior Presbyters — 488 5. CCECB Leaders—Council Members — 502 Bibliography — 504 Index — 517 The Author — 528 Maps — 41, 260 Photo Sections — 161, 305, 449 Foreword Soviet Evangelicals Since World War II gives an excellent view into the developments and present situation of evangelical churches in a socialist country. : Walter Sawatsky writes as one who is intimately acquainted with the material. He not only has studied the relevant literature and available in- formation, but he knows the. relationships from firsthand and personal experiences, : He knows very well the various and necessary attempts of the evangel- icals in the USSR to unite not only spiritually but also organizationally, and “ he knows about the bitter experiences of splits and identity crises within the evangelical spectrum. He makes clear that the law in the USSR guarantees religious freedom, but that Christians in carrying out their local church work have often been limited and circumscribed. This is particularly true regarding children’s and youth work, and mission and evangelism. But at the same time he demonstrates how the evangelicals have zealously and with great sacrifice used their worship services and other avenues of witness for missionary activity. Walter Sawatsky also acquaints the reader with the present differences of opinion and areas of conflict within the evangelical camp. These include the relationship between church and state and various related issues con- cerning a Christian’s activity in the social and political realm, the question 10 ie Soviet Evangelicals Since World War II of conscientious objectors, the matter of the relationship to other non- Protestant churches and the World Council of Churches. He portrays how evangelicals for conscience’ sake and out of religious conviction sacrifice and even endure persecution. But at the same time he convinces the reader that the church of Christ is not only possible in a socialist country like the USSR, but that the evangelicals in the Soviet Union have become in many ways a genuine model for Christians in the West! ~ In this sense Soviet Evangelicals Since World War II is more than a study of church history. It is in many parts actually a study book for ques- tions of practical theology, forcing one to question one’s own position and traditional forms. In doing this the book is a source of inspiration and food for thought. Although the evangelicals in the USSR do not have the variety of church activities enjoyed elsewhere in the world and must limit their church life completely to the worship service, and although the majority of church members have received no theological training, and although every form of new member recruitment is prohibited, witness to Jesus Christ is always be- ing carried ou